The England management have opted to axe the 33-year-old from for the forthcoming tour of the West Indies and the World Twenty20, insisting there would be no chance of a change of heart under the new leadership of new ECB managing director Paul Downton.

And writing on Instagram KP said: ‘So sad that this will now be the last time I leave a field in an England shirt… Incredibly overwhelmed by the support overnight! Thank you so much..”

So sad that this will now be the last time I leave a field in an England shirt… Incredibly… http://t.co/CiRjytYr0Q

He added: ‘I love England and I honestly hope they have every success in the future..’

Speaking on Tuesday in an official statement, Pietersen said: ‘Playing cricket for my country has been an honour. Every time I pulled on the England shirt was a moment of huge pride for me and that is something that will live with me forever.

‘Although I am obviously very sad the incredible journey has come to an end, I’m also hugely proud of what we, as a team, have achieved over the past nine years.

‘I feel extremely fortunate to have played at a time of great success for England cricket alongside some of the best cricketers the country has ever produced.

“I want to thank everyone for their fantastic support and I wish the team the very best of success going forward.

I believe I have a great deal still to give as a cricketer. I will continue to play but deeply regret that it won’t be for England.’